The Writing

Topic sentences

• State the main idea or thesis of the paragraph.

• Usually, (though not always) appear at the begining of the paragraph.

• Can be written in the form of a hook (see "Introductions").

  • Physical or emotional description.

  • Dialog

  • Portray emotion

• Use clear, concise language.

 

Transitions

• Signal relationships between ideas.

• Provide direction to the reader.

• Clarify the logic of how ideas fit together.

• Give cues.

• Reminds the reader of what has come before.

• Helps reader comprehend new information about to be presented.

 

Transitions between paragraphs

• Will highlight a relationship that already exists by summarizing the previous paragraph and suggesting something of the content of the paragraph that follows.

• Transitions can be located at the end of the first paragraph, at the beginning of the second paragraph, or in both places.

 

Examples of transitions:

• Similarity

  • also, in the same way, just as....so too, likewise, similarly

• Exception/Contrast

  • but, however, in spite of, on the one hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet

• Sequence/Order

  • first, second, third...next, then, finally

• Time

  • after, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier, immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently

• Example

  • for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate

• Emphasis

  • even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly

• Place/Position

  • above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there

• Cause/Effect

  • accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus

• Additional Support/Evidence

  • Additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, then

• Conclusion/Summary

  • finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in the final analysis, on the whole,